It was a glorious Sunday yet again and all three boys teams travelled to Juan de Fuca rec centre to face the combined teams of Westshore and Port Alberni. Unfortunately the level of competition just wasn’t there and our boys trounced opposition in three lopsided games with the u14’s going 80 to 17, the u16’s 72 to 0 and the u18’s 86 to 0, the last two recorded as 50 to zero concessions with the opponent not scoring. On the bright side there was lots of action and they had some big players that out rucked our younger in experienced junior teams but in all cases we moved the ball well. It was also very good to hear senior players reminding all to be respectful and despite the drubbing we really showed showed some class and were good sports.

A few mentions include Jaime Garcia Espinosa scoring five tries for the u14’s and Logan Majoros get’s the Jackson Palmer award for being fearless at half the size!, however MVP goes to Bakshish Cheema for being in on more tackles than you could count. That kids got game.

The u16’s really spread the scoring around amongst the team but MVP was definitely Harry Pearse, leading the team and showing a lot of poise. Shout out to Waylon Stites for crossing the line for some glory!

Big ups to the u18’s that just made an exercise of it and worked on plays for tougher days.

The girls hosted CW at Shawnigan and managed to come out on top 45 to 31, here is the video:

https://live.veo.co/web-app/matches/20261018-iron-women-vs-cw-rugby-vs-salish-v52fd87f/

Next week is Rapids for our first home game for all three boys teams and the girls are scheduled to travel there.

Anyone that attended the games this past weekend at Windsor Park, deep in the heart of Oak Bay, witnessed what kids rugby is all about. The CW minis were finishing their sessions when I got there, the sun was shining bright and the park was a buzz of game anticipation.

Our u14s that really got stomped last week and that was a concern for coaches on both sides. So with dialogue that included the referee it was agreed to let us bolster our side with a few kids playing down and it made for an enjoyable experience for both teams. We managed 6 tries and 1 kick to their 11 tries and 7 kicks , though it needs to be said that many of our tries were line breaks with a few passes however CW passed the ball like pint sized pros. One try they scored I swear there were over ten phases with the ball being passed and caught over thirty times. Hats off to their minis program because they are developing players.

This was the first game for our u16 boys with last weeks reschedule and they came out strong. Scoring first and never looking in the rearview, though CW kept it close. The end result was 6 tries and 2 kick to 4 tries and 1 or 34 to 22, well done. Good luck Wednesday against a big JBAA squad.

The u18s unfortunately stumbled out of the gate and just didn’t take care of the ball when we needed to. Unforced errors will hurt the best of teams and we knocked the ball on way too many times to count, got out rucked, lost lineouts and missed important kicks to touch. Our scrummaging was an exception and we definitely held our ground but beating last year’s provincial champions will need a more sound effort than that. We host them at Shawnigan November 1st.

I can’t not mention the hospitality as it tied all the games together with a great big bow. There were multiple types of chili with pulled pork and meat buns, chips, sweets and drinks under the pavilion that everyone took part in. Lots of banter between players and coaching staff. It was a great day!

I must mention the u18 girls that were set for Nanaimo, who were short players and ultimately defaulted the game. For the second week we scrimmaged and made an exercise of it but let’s hope for a full game next outing.

Sep 30

Thanks to the BC Rugby Union, there is a photo gallery to view the Kamloop’s 7s plus the u18 elite girls and boys game videos from both days!

To view the photo gallery click here

To view the game footage click here

Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone, who has come out to play for this fall season. With a late labour day we had an early Kamloops 7’s and it was a scramble to pick teams, get everyone registered and play a bunch of games without having any real practice time. We did manage some hardware with the u14 and u18 boys taking bronze, the u18 girls winning the plate round for fifth place and the u16 boys finishing middle of the pack. A road trip at the start of the season always galvanizes a team and with great weather it is a good kickstart for the season.

Which of course, started this past Sunday with league play for three of our four teams. The u18 girls hosted Westshore at Shawnigan Lake and chalked up a default win because the opposing team was short players. They did get a good run around and will face the Nanaimo Hornets next weekend at their home pitch, May Bennett Park.

The u16 boys had their game rescheduled to Wednesday, October 7th at 4:45 because of a camping outing for the grade 9’s. This also affected our u14 boys team that traveled to MacDonald Park in James Bay and without their bigger players, got schooled by a very strong JBAA team.

Retribution came with the u18 boys, who actually lost to JBAA game two in Kamloops. The lads looked very polished with just a week’s work under their belts and marched to a 64 to 8 final score with forwards and backs in on the points. Tuma, Landis and Tucker were quick around the field all scoring tries along with the back line of Hluma, Rheo, Leo, Henry and Egan moving the ball like pros. There were very few unforced errors, which is unusual for a first game.

Beast mode ball goes to Henry Budden! You smashed into a lot of dudes!!

Next week, Castaway Wanderers…Windsor Park with all three boys teams. Two of last year’s island final redo’s.

Sep 7

That is right folks, fall is in the air and that means it’s time to play some rugby. This year we will again have three boys divisions, U14, 16 & 18 and are very pleased to announce a U18 girls team coached by former Rugby Canadian player Andrea Burk.

We will also be heading to the Kamloops 7’s on September 18th with all four respective divisions so please get registered and put your hand up for sevens!

Oh and we have a new logo too!

Hello Club Leaders and Coaches,

‍We’re excited to share a few upcoming regional rugby opportunities for both coaches and athletes this spring and summer.

• Regional Rep Team – Coaching Opportunity

‍We are currently calling out to coaches interested in supporting the Regional Rep teams this summer. The Crimson Tide program will train throughout June and attend the PRC’s on July 4–5. ‍

This is a great opportunity for growth and mentorship for coaches who are looking to expand their knowledge, gain experience in a representative environment, and work alongside other developing and experienced coaches.

If you are interested, please complete the form here:
Coach Application Form ‍

Interviews will commence next week.

• Athlete Opportunities – 15s Skills Sessions ‍

Please share the following information with athletes. ‍ ‍

We will be offering 15s Skills Sessions for athletes, beginning Sunday, March 29, and running for 8 weeks. The cost is $120 per athlete. Please reach out to me, if you have athletes that may have financial barriers.

These sessions are designed not to interfere with athletes participating in the U14 club spring season or high school 

We aim to provide additional development opportunities and upskill athletes in preparation for regional rugby.  ‍

Athletes will have the chance to learn and refine position-specific skills to better understand their role on the field in the 15s game.

I would ask that athletes complete the form to stay connected with regional rugby opportunities. The third section is the sign up for the skills sessions. ‍

Athlete Sign-Up for Crimson Tide and/or skills sessions
Payment:Credit Card (additional $5 to cover processing)
E-transfer can also be Virujuniorgirls@gmail.com ‍

The pre-PRC schedule will be released soon, with training sessions and games expected throughout June. ‍

Please share this information with your coaches, athletes and parents so those interested can take advantage of these development opportunities. ‍

Thank you for your continued support of regional rugby development. ‍

virugbyunion.com

‍ ‍

Though we missed the first weekend, there is an opportunity to play in the age grade 7’s tourney at UBC days before the HSBC competition this Sunday. Piggy park on Herd Road, 12noon to 2pm for the north island Tsunami. A handful of our boys were on the 2024 team that won the u18 division in overtime. Aiden Jones, Jonty Nicholas and Owen Barlow!

Also worth marking on the calendar is the final minis jamboree, May 3rd that will take place at Shawnigan Lake School. Though we don’t have a minis program we will put together a few teams for the tournament and have a weekend registration to cover insurance. That link will go up in March with divisions u6 to u12 all coed.

Once again we woke up to blue sky on the last Sunday in November and the Canada Field at Shawnigan looked very inviting for the young lads to play their final game of the season on the storied pitch. Last year’s defending champs CW showed up in big numbers, on their roster and entourage that almost made it feel like they were the home team. Our boys were unfazed to the spectacle about to unfold, warming up on the colts field with little banter, focusing on each drill coach Rattan put them through.

From the kick off, the team stayed poised, moving the ball and tackling well. Crossing the line early for the first score and though pressed in the first half with opposition having some big kids rambling with the ball, there was never a panic. Come the second half, like most games this season, the warriors kicked it up a notch and never looked back. Decisively winning 45 to 12, earning the Vancouver Island Champion for the first time in this division and only the second time for the club. Congratulations! To view the game video click HERE.

The context and outcome (s) of the second game needs a little explaining, so bare with me. First, I have to acknowledge the juggernaut of a youth rugby program that Castaway Wanderers is. Tons of kids, great coaching and organization that consistently produces winning teams, with this years u18 boys team no exception. They pumped us at home in league play, as they did everyone else through the year. Jumping back to last week’s semi final, Cowichan cited an incident in last week’s game that received a yellow card, contesting it should have been red, which suspended the player until he receives his hearing and is banned from playing in the final. This impediment is significant because this player was a prop, which left us down a specialty player that would most likely force the island final to be played with uncontested scrums.

Okay this is where it starts to get murky. CW also received a suspension last week for playing an unsanctioned player through the season, for which coaches and managers were suspended. To be clear, player exemptions are only eligible for player competency and the individual not playing to the level of his age grade. Of course we have been without two top players through the season that haven’t been allowed to be sanctioned because of their level of play. So assuming a pending blowout would benefit nobody, it was suggested (in dark corners of the universe) forfeiting the game and playing our unsanctioned players in an exhibition game. That is what ultimately happened, though not everyone was privy to the conversation with the suspensions hanging in the air. We weren’t suppose to win, which added another wrinkle but philosophically CW are better prepared to face Ravens in the BC final, having played in a very tough warm up.

Good luck to the defending Champions, keep that trophy on the island.

To view the game video click HERE.

Last, I would like to thank everyone who donated money through the website to the Cowichan player that lost his unexpectedly lost his mother.

It was a blue sky morning on Sunday and anyone heading out to play rugby was probably grateful for a clear day…plus hopeful, for a win.

That was the case for our u14s, who started strong and were never really tested other than loosing a little focus in the early second half that let Cowichan get a few scores. Besides the speedsters that made numerous line breaks, our ability to past the ball is why they finished top seed. Lot’s of change in direction with multiple players in support and some solid tackles on defense defined the game that was in hand from the beginning kick off. 56 to 28 was the recorded score but I’m pretty sure we were over 60 by my count. Regardless, its another home stand this Sunday for the Island Championships against CW at Shawnigan for an 11am kick off.

It was the only game recorded. To view click HERE.

Unfortunately the u16 game was moved to the same time slot as our u14’s except it was at piggy park on Herd Road. After the final game of the season there, the boys knew this was going to be a tough one and I was told that both sides delivered. It was a rockem sockem game that ultimately had Cowichan coming out the winner, 41 to 35. The boys emptied the tank and are wrapping the season. Good luck in the spring school league.

Retribution for the game ending loss three weeks earlier was delivered by our u18s, in a penalty riddled game that was difficult to watch at times. Cowichan came out very aggressive with an attempt to intimidate and it started working as we got deeper into the game, so the infractions mounted. Luckily some calls went our way too and three penalty kicks was a big enough lead to trump a converted try, so the boys are heading to Windsor Park and a CW rematch of the past two island finals. Kick off is 130pm.

Thank you everyone who donated to the Watson twins tragic loss of their mother. I will keep the link open until the end of the month.

Cowichan player Fisher Watson’s mother recently passed away suddenly. She was a single parent and there is no other immediate family in town, her children are facing significant and sudden financial challenges, though the Ladysmith community and her colleagues (she was a teacher there) are rallying around them.

 The club will be hosting a **fundraiser this Sunday** to provide immediate financial support to Fisher and his twin sister, as we have been told by the executor that any contribution will be extremely helpful. Could you please inform your team and encourage them to participate? A small contribution, such as buying a **50/50 ticket** or dropping spare change into a collection **hat**, will make a meaningful difference for these kids during this difficult time. Thank you for your support and for sharing this news with your team. Any donations through the Salish Website will go directly to the family if you cannot attend the game Sunday.

Donate HERE

Note kick off times have changed for Sunday. 11am for the u14s at Shawnigan, 11am for the u16s at Cowichan and 12:15 for the u18s at Cowichan.

We are waiting for this week’s slate of game results to see who each team faces in the playoffs however the Vancouver 7’s tickets have gone on sale and if you buy them through the club we get a commission until January 11, so don’t wait. There are no extra charges or fees. Thanks for the support!

Get your tickets HERE

Rivalries in sport are generally proximity based, with Cow High in school competition and the Cowichan Piggies with the club league our arch nemeses. The out-of-town players don’t always get it but the local kids definitely appreciate the significance of each game. Unfortunately, this weekend was more character building than gaining league points, however we are heading into a well-deserved break and will most likely get playoff rematches.

The u14s had a strong game and out scored the opponent 38 / 55 but we were short a few players and technically defaulted the game. Tough luck but we are still the top seed.

For game footage please view HERE.

Our u16s were again up against a bigger set of forwards and despite some formidable tackling, Cowichan started racking up tries. Kudos to the team leaders that rallied the lads for the last quarter that gave us a respectable 23 to 34 final score.

For game footage please view HERE.

The senior boys came out of the gate firing, scoring first and keeping pace throughout the game. Lot’s to cheer about with big hits and ball movement by both teams but the boys appeared to have the game in hand until the final frame. Twice the Piggies scored to come close and the Warriors would answer back however with minutes to go they capitalized on a breakdown, swung it wide for a line break taking the 27 / 25 win. That one stung and there was definitely some animosity building between the two teams that should make for a good tilt next time up. Most likely November 23rd.

For game footage please view HERE.

As noted earlier, the u18s travelled to Comox on Thursday afternoon to face the Rapids in a rescheduled game from two weeks ago. All I have is a 37 to 0 victory for Salish but we will take it.

Please note our triple header this weekend against Cowichan are away games at Herd Road, not at Shawnigan!

The rain worked in our favour and we received an extra home stand because of a soggy MacDonald Park. Unfortunately the best weather of the day happened as I was striking the hot dog stand around 3:30. Regardless it was a great showing by the boys and we came away with two of three games.

The u14s continue to show dominance against their opponents with a decisive 67 to 7 win. Even in the slick weather conditions the players moved the ball well and had some big line breaks. Undefeated and number one seed, congratulations boys!

The u16s had a much bigger task, going up against the leader in their division that definitely had more weight and experience on their side. The JBAA pack was big and formidable, pounding away with the ball in hand and tackling hard. Kudos to the team for keeping it close until we went down a player before the half and they Bays took advantage. We came out strong in the second half and managed an early try but any hope of a comeback slipped away with them answering twice. Final score was JBAA 31 Salish 7. To watch the game video please view HERE.

For the final game of the day our u18s got two starters back, Brendan Grisdale and Cohen Huisamen, which was big difference maker in our team’s flow with the ball. Both have a lot of experience that helped keep the team working together to a sure and steady effort, with 24 unanswered points and the win. To watch the game video please view HERE.

This Thursday they will travel up to Cumberland (I hope the field has lights) for the postponed game from last weekend.

Sunday we are home again for the crosstown rivals, the Cowichan Piggys. See you there!

As promised the u16 game has been uploaded to YouTube for your viewing pleasure! Please select HERE to watch the game. Unfortunately the u14 game footage needed too much editing for me to tackle this time around but I will make up for that.

Also, there is a scheduling update for this weekend. Due to concern for the field status at MacDonald Park the games will be switched to Shawnigan and we will be hosting all three JBAA teams. Kick off times are 11:00am for u14, 12:15 for u16 and 1:30 the u18. Come and say hello, I’ll be cooking hotdogs for the kids! Go Warriors!!

To Cumberland for a triple header against the Rapids. Unfortunately the u18s became unavailable to travel and had to postpone, however the young lads made the trip worth while. Both teams posting decisive wins.

The u14s were dominant with a 50 to 12 final though 50 is the maximum posted score for age grade competition. Harry, Mason, Jauco and Waylon all had their usual big impacts on both side of the ball. First tries of the year were put down by Noah, Oscar and Levi (2)! Congratulations Boys!

The u16s had a tough physical game against a bigger team and a referee that appeared to call a very one sided game. Regardless, Soup (Max Fawcett), Mason and Seamus had high work rates in the forwards. Gibson and Sam’s workloads were impressive as well, along with Rheo’s open field tackling and line breaks. Lhuma had a strong game, tackling, kicking and running the attack. Final score was 50 to 31 for the good guys.

To host our archrivals Castaway Wanderers on a gorgeous Shawnigan afternoon that produced good results for our u14 team, running away with the game, literally. At this age grade if you pass the ball well you are going to have success and that is what the boys are doing. Fun to watch.

The u16s had a grind out game that had them behind at the half but never quit, winning 33 to 17 against a solid foe. Lots of big hits and fast ball movement from start to finish but with two yellow cards mid second half, being short handed galvanized the team. Playing stoic defence and then flipping the switch to front foot once we regained full strength. It was a well-deserved win.

Unfortunately, it was a different tale with the u18s as the very polished CW team rolled an inexperienced side that was missing key players from injury or ineligibility. There are going to be some growing pains with our senior team through the fall season however the point is always to gain experience. If the boys put in the work now, it will payoff in the spring.

To the shores of Colwood that is and score lots of tries, which we did. All three Salish teams put over 50 points on the board and Westshore just couldn’t keep up. All three games were entertaining at the very least and our boys kept it respectable.

Welcome to the new season everyone! Getting the teams rolling at the same time everyone comes back to school is always a heavy lift with the first focus to select the teams for Kamloops. This year all three boy’s divisions were represented with the u14s coming home wearing gold, the u18s with bronze and the u16s getting bounced off the podium to four. Overall, it was a great showing and tournament to participate in.

Isabel Grondin, Brendan’s mom! Thank you to all who participated!

Thank you all who bought a ticket and supported our first (and not last) 50|50 raffle. We will do it again, stay tuned.